Page 25 of Bad Saint

I grapple with what to do. This shouldn’t be an issue…so why is it? My cheek burns, the same one he touched moments ago.

But shaking such thoughts from my head, I sit upright, watching the man attach some ramp thing onto the yacht so he can come across. My palms sweat, and I discreetly rub them together. When he’s aboard, he makes eye contact with me.

“Hello, miss.”

I wave limply, trying my best not to draw any attention to myself because I’m still wrestling with what to do.

The man looks around, his eagle eye examining for anything out of the ordinary. This is my chance.Get the fuck up and scream for help.

But I remain rooted to the spot. I continue watching him, unsure why I haven’t made my move.

The hatch in the distance is the reason, which is ironic. It should be the reason I, in fact, plead with this man to take me off this yacht and to safety. He comes to a stop in front of me, shielding the harsh sun with his hand. “Everything okay?” he asks while I freeze akin to a deer in headlights.

Sweat collects along my brow. My voice gets trapped in my throat. I’m certain I’m moments away from having a heart attack. This entire moment depends on me and my response. It’s evident this man doesn’t believe Kazimir, and he’s waiting for me to confirm his suspicions.

“Speak English?” he gently says as he has mistaken me clamming up for me not understanding.

I nod quickly, my breathing accelerating as each second passes.

He waits patiently, his kindness giving me the confidence I need. I think about Drew and about Saint’s admission that I will never see him again. Tears sting my eyes as I refuse to accept that as truth.

This is my chance, and I have no other choice but to take it.

Standing, I clear my throat, unsure what to say. The air is stagnated. “Miss, do you need help?”

“…Yes,” I whisper, surprised that small, terrified voice is mine.

The man jumps into action. “What’s the matter?”

My attention flickers back and forth between him and the hatch. Kazimir has backed up, realizing that I’ve turned rogue. But they’ve left me with no other option.

“I…I…” I’m suddenly filled with a mouth full of nothing, and I have no idea why. My subconscious screams at me, demanding I tell the truth, but when I see the hatch lift and the unmistakable shine to the barrel of a gun, I know that’s the reason I can’t speak.

There is no getting off this yacht. Saint will ensure that.

My gaze drops to his gold wedding band, and guilt smashes into me. I can’t jeopardize his life because I would be robbing a family of their husband, father, grandfather. How can I live with that on my conscience?

I can’t.

“Miss?” he presses.

The gun barrel catches the sunlight, and I swallow down my tears. “We’re in dire need of food. All my husband packed was tuna fish. He knows how much I hate fish,” I say, feigning annoyance. Inside, I’m dying as my lie is burning a hole straight through me.

The man arches a brow. He doesn’t believe me. “Food?” he repeats, ensuring he’s heard me correctly.

I nod with a strained smile.

“And you’re here because you want to be?”

“Of course, I am.” Holding up my hand, I flash my ring, certain I’ve just sold a piece of my soul. “We’re on our honeymoon.”

Kazimir exhales and saunters toward me now that I’m on his side. “Aren’t I lucky man?” Before I have a chance to protest, he wraps an arm around my shoulders and kisses my cheek.

Bile rises, but I go along with the charade.

The man doesn’t look convinced, but there is nothing he can do. Without me confessing, he’s got nothing. “Okay then. Have a good day.” He tips his hat my way, his intelligent eyes sizing me up.

It’s his last attempt to help me, but I just can’t. There is no point in both of us losing our lives. “Thank you.”

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